Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi warned today of a “vicious and dangerous cycle of instability” threatening the region due to the ongoing war in Gaza, welcoming French Foreign Minister Stephane Cezournet in Cairo, the Egyptian presidency said.
“We must seize the opportunity of the ongoing negotiations” to reach a cease-fire agreement in Gaza, “in order to reach an agreement that will end the bloodshed,” Mr. Sisi also said, according to the Egyptian press release. presidency.
For his part, Mr. Cezournet informed his interlocutor about “French efforts to reduce tensions” in the region.
Earlier today, the French foreign minister discussed with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelati, the ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Egyptian diplomatic spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said.
The French minister, who is wrapping up a tour of the Middle East, “called on all parties to show restraint and protect civilians,” at a joint press conference with Mr. Abdelati.
The ceasefire is key
The visit is part of a series of international diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing a regional expansion of the war in Gaza, while the threat of Iranian military action against Israel in particular is pending.
Mr. Abdelati, visiting Beirut yesterday, said that a cease-fire in Gaza is the “key” in order for the region not to be led to “total war”.
Along with the United States and Qatar, Egypt mediates between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, which have been at war in Gaza since last October.
Ceasefire talks ended yesterday in Doha, and are expected to resume next week in Cairo, based on a new American compromise proposal, which is also supported by the other mediating countries.
But Hamas rejected Israel’s “new terms” in this revised draft deal.
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